Three snatching incidents targeting Japanese nationals have occurred between Sunday, August 11, and today. On Friday, August 23, the Magal pilgrimage festival to the holy city of Touba for the Islamic Mouride Brotherhood will take place, which often leads to an increase in monetary needs and a rise in theft cases. Please exercise caution during outings to avoid being involved in snatching or theft incidents, such as pickpocketing from within vehicles.
Summary of Recent Incidents
1. August 11 (Sunday), around 9:45 AM: While taking photos with a smartphone in front of the hotel (Mamelles area), a two-person motorcycle passed by, snatched the smartphone, and fled. The victim was unharmed.
2. August 13 (Tuesday), around 4:00 PM: While cycling in Thies, a two-person motorcycle approached from behind and ripped off the victim’s cross-body shoulder bag, then fled. There was no dragging, and the victim was unharmed.
3. August 14 (Wednesday), around 11:00 PM: While the victim and two others were walking home in the Plateau area, a two-person motorcycle passed by from behind, turned around, and attempted to snatch the cross-body shoulder bag from the victim, who was walking on the roadside. However, when the victim fell, the perpetrators abandoned the attempt and fled. The victim sustained injuries (bruises) but did not lose any belongings.
Points to Note from These Incidents
• Snatching incidents have occurred even with cross-body shoulder bags.
• Victims were targeted even when moving in groups.
• All incidents involved two-person motorcycles.
As usual, please be mindful of the following precautions and pay special attention to motorcycles, particularly those with two riders:
• Always keep valuables within sight and within your control.
Mobile phones are especially sought after and can be easily targeted! Using them with one hand on the street increases the risk of snatching.
• Avoid carrying belongings on the roadside.
• Travel in groups whenever possible (especially at night).
• Do not leave car windows open.
• Be particularly cautious of two-person motorcycles.
• Do not attempt to forcibly retrieve your belongings (as this could result in injury).
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